If you're looking for a great tapas hotspot in New York City and happen to be on the Upper West Side, stop by Buceo 95 (201 W. 95th St, 212.662.7010) (www.buceo95.com). After scouring the internet and Urbanspoon for tapas joints, I stumbled upon this tapas restaurant. While past diners had mixed reviews, I side with those giving this tapas and wine bar excellent reviews. The space is somewhat cramped with small tables and limited outdoor seating, and a bar seating maybe 10 people. But don't let that stop you- the wait to get a table sometimes exceeds an hour and the wait is well worth it!
We started with a bottle of chardonay apparenty suggested by the bartender, who informed my friends of the wine vinyard's lengthy history. It was clean, crisp, and went well with the basic bread and olive oil that was placed on the table moments before our food arrived. Following typical tapas restaurant custom, we all chose an item to share with the table. The small kitchen and seemingy one-man show pumped out our 4 items in minutes. Before we knew it, our garlic shrimp, mushrooms in a sweet sherry reduction, grilled asparagus topped with creme fraiche, and duck with peaches appeared on our cramped table. The mushroom dish was to die for, balancing the earthy sauteed mushrooms with the sweet and tart sherry reduction. The asparagus had little to be desired, but were nonetheless delicious. The sauce left over from the shrimp was so good we ended up dipping the remaining mound of sliced baguette bread in it. And the duck- mouth watering even before adding a sliced peach atop.
After devouring our fare, the sommelier came table-side to assist in choosing another wine. He gave us a taste of two red wines after I requested a red with a little spice, hinting I was looking for a tempranillo. We made our decision and the wine was brought. After finishing the small vessel of wine, a second was brought-on the house. While I still petition it was due to the sommelier's knowledge of our employment in the industry, it was still a kind gesture.
Overall, out of five stars, this trendy and vibrant UWS hotspot earns four stars from me.
Friday, October 29, 2010
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